What Can You Bring in Carry-On Luggage? Complete 2026 Guide

A friend of mine lost his favorite power bank at Frankfurt Airport last week. Not because of security screening. Because he put it in the overhead bin. As of January 15, 2026, that's banned on Lufthansa and all its subsidiary airlines.

2026 is a strange year for air travel. Some airports suddenly let you bring 2-liter bottles through security. Others still enforce the strict 100ml rule. New CT scanners promise relief, but only 40 of 160 security lanes in Frankfurt actually have them. And then there are the new power bank regulations.

Here's what actually applies. What you can pack. And what definitely won't make it through.

The Quick Version

In a rush? Here's what matters:

• Liquids: Maximum 100ml per container, everything must fit in a clear 1-liter bag

• Power banks: Only allowed in carry-on, as of January 2026 at Lufthansa Group must stay under your seat, not in the overhead bin

• Food: Solid food is fine, liquids (yogurt, jam) fall under the 100ml rule

• Medications: Allowed, ideally with a doctor's note

• Banned: Sharp objects over 6cm, lighters with open flame, tasers

The 100ml Rule in 2026: What's Actually Happening?

You might have heard the 100ml rule was abolished in 2026. Sort of true. Sort of not.

The EU approved new CT scanners that theoretically allow larger liquid quantities. As Hessenschau reports, Frankfurt has equipped 40 of 160 security lanes with these new scanners. That's just 25%.

The problem? You can't know which lane you'll end up in.

One traveler recently reported sailing through Terminal 1, Area A, with a 500ml water bottle. His colleague one lane over had to throw his away. Same airport, same day.

My advice: Keep packing by the 100ml rule. It works everywhere. Whether Frankfurt, Munich, or some regional airport without CT scanners.

The Rules in Detail

According to the German Federal Police:

• Each container maximum 100ml capacity

• All containers in a transparent, resealable plastic bag

• The bag must hold maximum 1 liter (about 20x20cm)

• One bag per person

Important: The printed container size matters, not how much is actually inside. A 250ml shampoo bottle that's half empty? Not allowed. Security staff check the number on the container, not the contents.

The Lermende Transparente Kulturtasche TSA-geprüft 1 Liter Flüssigkeiten Beutel Handgepäck meets TSA requirements exactly and works perfectly as a liquid bag for carry-on screening.

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Liquids in Hand Luggage: What Actually Counts?

The question sounds silly, but it's valid. Toothpaste? Liquid. Nutella? Liquid. Deodorant spray? Liquid.

Counts as Liquid (100ml Rule Applies)

Does NOT Count as Liquid (Unlimited)

Solid products are exempt from the rule:

• Deodorant stick (not spray!)

• Bar soap

• Lipstick

• Powder makeup

• Solid body lotion sticks

• Dry shampoo in powder form

The deodorant stick trick is golden. Take a solid deodorant instead of spray and you save space in your liquids bag.

If you want to bring your favorite products, I recommend a 16er Pack Reiseflaschen zum Befüllen, Set Silikon Reiseflaschen de 100 ml, Reisebehälter für Shampoo, Lotion, Conditioner. With 16 leak-proof containers, everything fits in the 1-liter bag.

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Food in Carry-On: What's Allowed?

Good news for anyone who doesn't want to rely on airplane food.

According to T-Online: Solid foods are allowed without restriction in carry-on.

Allowed without limits:

• Bread, rolls, sandwiches

• Cheese (solid piece)

• Fruits and vegetables

• Chips, cookies, chocolate

• Nuts, granola bars

• Prepared sandwiches

Falls under 100ml rule:

• Yogurt, cottage cheese

• Soups, stews

• Jam, Nutella

• Olive oil, vinegar

• Smoothies

• Hummus, dips

Baby Food: The Exception

If you're traveling with a baby, special rules apply. According to ADAC, you can bring the amount of baby food needed for the trip duration. This means:

• Baby food jars (even over 100ml)

• Ready-made formula

• Water for mixing formula

A family from Berlin reported bringing 6 jars (190ml each) plus 500ml of formula through security without issues. The trick: Show everything separately and transparently before security staff ask.

Cosmetics & Toiletries

What Always Works

For most travelers, a well-packed 1-liter bag is plenty:

• Mini toothpaste (up to 100ml)

• Travel shampoo (up to 100ml)

• Deodorant stick (any size)

• Lip balm

• Bar soap

• Razor (disposable or electric)

Common Mistakes

The most frequent problem: Containers larger than 100ml. Even if there's barely a drop left.

Buy travel sizes or transfer into smaller containers. A 50ml bottle with your favorite perfume is allowed. The 200ml bottle isn't, no matter how empty.

Razors: What's Allowed?

According to AirHelp:

• Disposable razors: Allowed (blade is protected)

• Cartridge razors (Gillette, Wilkinson): Allowed

• Electric razors: Allowed

• Safety razors: Blade must come out, goes in checked luggage

• Straight razors: Banned

Electronics & Batteries: The New 2026 Rules

2026 brought some changes here. And not easier ones.

Power Banks: The Most Important Change

Starting January 15, 2026, the entire Lufthansa Group implemented new power bank rules. The trigger was a tragic fire on Air Busan in January 2025, where 27 people were injured when a power bank in the overhead compartment caught fire.

What now applies (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Eurowings):

• Power banks cannot be stored in overhead bins

• They must stay under the seat in front of you, within reach

• Charging during flight is prohibited

• Maximum 2 power banks per person

• Maximum capacity: 100Wh (most regular power banks fall below this)

These rules currently apply only to Lufthansa Group. But other airlines will probably follow.

The INIU Power Bank 20.000 mAh - USB-C Schnellladung, 22,5W Externe Handy-Batterie with 20,000mAh is about 74Wh and easily meets the requirements. Remember: Under the seat, not in the overhead bin.

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Laptops & Tablets

Still allowed in carry-on. At security, you need to take them out of your bag and place them separately on the belt.

Tip: Pack your laptop so you can grab it quickly. Nothing's more annoying than frantic digging in the line.

E-Cigarettes & Vapes

Must be transported in carry-on. They're banned in checked luggage because of the batteries.

What Can't Go in Checked Luggage

An important rule many don't know: Lithium batteries never go in checked luggage.

This applies to:

• Power banks (all of them)

• Spare camera batteries

• E-cigarettes

• Loose laptop batteries

The reason: If a battery catches fire in the cargo hold, no one can extinguish it. In the passenger cabin, they can.

Medications in Carry-On

The basic rule: Medications are allowed. But there are a few things to consider.

Regular Medications

Pills, capsules, and tablets are no problem. No limit, no special packaging required.

Still, ADAC recommends keeping medications in original packaging and bringing a doctor's note. Just in case someone asks.

Liquid Medications

Prescription liquid medications are exempt from the 100ml rule. You need:

• Doctor's certificate (ideally in English)

• Medication in original packaging

• Amount plausible for the trip duration

At security, show the medication separately and briefly explain what it's for.

Controlled Substances & Strong Pain Medications

Here it gets stricter. For medications like strong opioids or other controlled substances, you need special certification from your country's health authority (in Germany: BfArM). A regular prescription isn't enough.

Prohibited Items: What Definitely Won't Pass

According to the German Federal Police, the following are banned in carry-on:

Completely Banned

• Firearms and ammunition

• Stun guns, tasers

• Pepper spray, CS gas

• Clubs and stabbing weapons

• Explosive materials

Banned Above Certain Size

• Knives with blade over 6cm

• Scissors with blade over 6cm

• Screwdrivers over 6cm

• Other tools over 6cm

What Surprises Many

A few things that regularly cause discussions:

• Nail scissors: Allowed (under 6cm)

• Nail files: Allowed

• Knitting needles: Allowed, though some airlines ban them

• Lighters: One on your person allowed, not in luggage

• Matches: One small box on your person allowed

What Goes in Checked Luggage

If you absolutely need these items, pack them in checked luggage:

• Swiss army knife

• Larger scissors

• Repair tools

• Camping equipment with sharp edges

Airline Comparison: Dimensions & Weight 2026

Every airline has its own rules. What fits at Lufthansa can get expensive at Ryanair.

A comparison of carry-on dimensions shows the differences:

Large Carry-On (Cabin Bag)

Small Carry-On (Personal Item)

The Cabin Max Anode Handgepäck Koffer 55x40x20 - Leicht, Hartschale, Handgepäck Trolley mit 4 Rädern, 3-stelliges Schloss with its dimensions of 55x40x20 cm fits all airlines as a large carry-on. The hard shell protects sensitive contents, and at just 2.6 kg it leaves plenty of room for packing.

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What Happens If It's Too Big?

According to CleverPacken, fees range from 20 to 75 euros. At some airlines the fee doubles if you're caught after security rather than at check-in.

Ryanair is particularly strict. There are reports that staff receive bonus payments for catching oversized luggage. Whether that's true, I don't know. But they definitely check more carefully there.

Security Screening: Tips for Getting Through Quickly

What Goes on the Belt

• Laptop (separate, not in the bag)

• Tablet (often separate too)

• 1-liter liquids bag (visible on top)

• Jacket, coat

• Belt with metal buckle

• Shoes (depending on airport)

How to Pack Smart

With 8-Piece Packing Cubes, Clothes Bags, Suitcase Organiser for Holidays and Travel you can organize your carry-on so you're not digging around forever at security. Laptop on top, liquids within reach, cables sorted.

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Slot Booking for Faster Screening

According to AeroInternational, over 600,000 passengers have used Frankfurt Airport's FRA SmartWay service.

These airports offer time slot booking:

Costs between 2 and 5 euros. During peak season at 7 AM, this can mean the difference between a 45-minute queue and 10 minutes.

Travel Outside the EU: Different Rules Apply

Everything you've read here applies to EU flights. When traveling to the USA, Asia, or other regions, different regulations may apply.

Some examples:

• USA (TSA): Similar 100ml rule, but different electronic screening

• UAE (Dubai): Strict medication controls, even for over-the-counter drugs

• Singapore: Chewing gum is banned (yes, really)

• Australia: Extremely strict food controls (no fresh fruit)

Always check the entry requirements for your destination country. Carry-on rules are one thing. What you can actually import is another.